2014 Orazietti crop

Supplied by Sault MPP David Orazietti… Sault Ste. Marie – Ontario is helping parents in Sault Ste. Marie get involved in their children’s education by supporting local initiatives to encourage learning and well-being, announced David Orazietti MPP today.   “These grants are a great way to help parents here in Sault Ste. Marie become more involved in their children’s education,” said Orazietti. “It’s been proven that parent engagement significantly improves a child’s academic performance. Our government is committed to supporting parents who want to become more involved, which will help our students reach their full potential and better prepare them for a bright future.”

Grant applications for the 2015-16 school year will be accepted until May 19.   During the 2014-15 school year, the government funded more than 2,200 projects that helped identify barriers to parent engagement and found local solutions to help more parents get involved in their children’s education. In October 2014, School Councils in Sault Ste. Marie received $15,315 for over 16 local parent engagement projects.   “We continue to be fortunate to have many school council projects funded by the Ontario government across the Algoma District.  The projects allow our parents to become engaged in meaningful and unique projects that address a particular need or focus within their school community.  We recognize that parents are priority partners in student success and these projects offer an opportunity for parents to model engagement for their children and to ultimately support student achievement and well-being,” said Algoma District School Board Director of Education, Lucia Reece.

“We greatly appreciate the province providing Parents Reaching Out Grants to our schools.  The funds have enhanced our Catholic school communities by engaging parents in the education of their children and building stronger ties with staff.  These PRO Grants are helping us to meet many of our strategic goals related to student achievement, relationships, supportive environments and well-being,” said Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board Director of Education, John Stadnyk.

Encouraging parents to become involved in their children’s education is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.   QUICK FACTS   ” Studies show that when parents are more engaged in their children’s education, students are more likely to earn higher grades, develop better behaviour and social skills, and achieve higher levels of education. ” Since 2006, the government has provided over 15,000 Parent Reaching Out grants to school councils and more than 568 regional grants – a total investment of more than $24 million to help increase parent involvement. ” Recent Education Quality and Accountability Office results show that 72 per cent of Grades 3 and 6 students are mastering reading, writing and math skills. ” The Parents Reaching Out grants support the four key goals of the government’s renewed vision for education in Ontario: achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being and enhancing public confidence.   LEARN MORE   ” Apply for a PRO Grant for 2015-16 ” See last year’s approved projects in your area ” Tips and tools for parents to get involved ” Resources for parents in different languages ” More tips and resources at tvoparents.com